Ex Arsenal star, Santi Cazorla returns to action for the first time in nearly two years in Villarreal friendly

Santi Cazorla finally made his long-awaited return from injury on Tuesday night after spending a nightmare 636 days on the sidelines.

The Spanish playmaker had not taken part in a game of professional football since Arsenal's Champions League clash with Ludogorets on October 19, 2016.

The 33-year-old was prevented from doing what he loves most after suffering a serious Achilles’ injury in the European clash, at one point fearing that he would never walk again.

Santi Cazorla smiles after stepping onto the pitch for the first time in nearly two years

The Spanish playmaker (right) came on as a substitute for Ramiro Guerra in the 57th minute

However, after nearly two years of rehabilitation, Cazorla was finally able to step back onto the pitch.

With Villarreal leading Hercules 1-0, the midfielder was given a hero's welcome by the crowd as he replaced Ramiro Guerra in the 57th minute.

Cazorla showed no signs of discomfort as he completed the game, Hercules managing to rescue a draw with a late equaliser.

The former Spain international took to Instagram soon after the final whistle to share photos of his return, expressing his delight.

Cazorla showed no signs of discomfort as he played the remaining 33 minutes of the friendly

'Very happy to get back to doing what I love most, there is a lot of work ahead of me but it is the first step,' he wrote alongside the images. 'I am eternally grateful to the people that have helped me.'

Cazorla left the Gunners when his contract expired at the end of the 2017-18 season after six seasons at the Emirates.

The fan-favourite faded into the background during his final two seasons in North London as he was forced to endure several operations on his Achilles tendon, with one requiring a skin graft from his arm.

Cazorla began training with Villarreal soon after his departure before officially re-signing for the Spanish club in June.

The 33-year-old's last appearance in a professional football match was back in October, 2016